New Ministry Area Leader Appointed for Netherwent Ministry Area
Bishop Cherry is delighted to announce that, following an application and interview process, Revd Dan Frett has been appointed as the new Ministry Area Leader for Netherwent Ministry Area.
In making the announcement Bishop Cherry said: "This is a very positive development for the MA, not least because Dan has been living and ministering there since 2020, so knows it well. Amongst other gifts, Dan has a real gift of hospitality and of bringing people together which will help bring a sense of unity and common purpose to the 19 congregations. Filling this position also means that we can now go ahead with appointing two new team vicars, so this is the start of an exciting new chapter for the MA."
Dan was accepted as an ordinand in 1995 and was ordained in Petertide 1998 at St Paul’s cathedral. For the first 22 years he was a self-supporting Priest in London, Surrey, and then at St Mary’s in Chepstow.
He said: "Archdeacon Ambrose approached me about becoming fulltime as the Rector of the Caldicot Benefice. After discussing this with my wife Ruth I applied and was accepted and feel blessed to be given such a wonderful opportunity to minister to such delightful people. I am looking forward to this new chapter in our lives."
Biography:
Dan was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but grew up in Japan as his parents were Presbyterian Missionaries. He moved back to the States as a teenager, studied music and economics at university and did a graduate degree in international business with a specialisation in Japan. He then moved to Japan to work for an American bank and was transferred to London in 1988. He met his wife, Ruth, at All Souls Langham Place and married her in 1990. He was active in the church and started exploring his calling.
During his ordination, when the bishop laid hands on him, there was an enormous thunder-clap. Interpret that how you will!
His church related passions are Biblical Studies, Second Temple period Judaism, Process Theology, and teaching the Bible. He loves walking his two dogs, Jeeves and Bertie in the castle grounds and the surrounding Coeds. He and Ruth have four grown-up children who are dotted around GB and Germany. He loves discussing the Gospel and theology over a full-bodied red wine or a whisky. He has a zero-inbox policy, so if you email him, he should get back to you in a few days. Every blessing!
Although the final details are to be confirmed it is hoped that Dan will be licensed in October.